[ecowise]

I recently purchased a 2002 automatic Insight from a dealership. On the trip home (125 miles) I averaged 41 mpg! This is so far from the 65 - 67 mpg I expected that I am very concerned about a malfunction (although the vehicle passed its 18-point inspection perfectly). Does anyone have any suggestions on where to begin the troubleshooting process?

 

[merigayle]

CVT mileage is much lower than the manual. I think on average the CVT drivers report 45-60mpg. When i first got my CVT Insight, I was getting 38-42, after a short while I was getting 48-54 and now with the cold weather approaching, the mileage has dropped to about 45-46 mpg.

What was the lifetime MPG's on the car?

 

[dice]

there is a learning curve on driving the insight. My first tank I only was able to get about 60 mpg, after reading the tips on this forum, I then was able to get 62 the 66 mpg. Now that the cold weather has hit, it's drooped to as low as 56 to 59 mpg. I do have a 5 speed and not the CVT.

 

[The Citrus Smoothie]

Try searching the Forum for tips, but there are five basics to consider:

Does your Insight have the original low rolling resistance tyres? They should be Bridgestone RE92's in America.

Are the tyres pumped up properly? They should be at least at 36psi, many Insight owners go higher into the 40's to lower rolling resistance further - at your own risk. Many dealers reduce tyre psi to give a more comfortable test ride.

How fast were you driving on the way home? The Insight (and most other cars) are at their most economical between 45 - 55mph. Each time you double your speed it takes four times as much energy (laws of physics).

Is the IMA system and/or 12V battery in your Insight healthy? If you were on the receiving end of recalibrations (when the IMA gauge suddenly drops to zero in a reset) then this will also impact your MPG.

Is your A/C running on full (auto)? Having the A/C running on full can reduce your MPG by as much as 5 MPG (also applies to other cars). Hit the Econ button whenever it is comfortable to do so.

Hope this helps!